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Alcoholic cardiomyopathy Causes and Risks:
Alcoholic cardiomyopathy is a form of dilated cardiomyopathy caused by habitual, excessive use of alcohol. Alcohol in excessive quantities has a directly toxic effect on heart muscle cells.
Alcoholic cardiomyopathy results in poor heart function because the heart muscle is too weak to pump efficiently. Symptoms of alcoholic cardiomyopathy are a result of heart failure . Lack of blood flow affects all parts of the body, resulting in damage to multiple tissues and organ systems.
Incidence of alcoholic cardiomyopathy is 2 out of 1,000 people. The disorder is most commonly seen in males ages 35 to 55 years old but it may become evident in older individuals.
Prevention:
Alcoholic cardiomyopathy is a consequence of excessive alcohol use . Do not consume excessive quantities of alcohol. Control other risk factors for heart disease . Eat a generally well-balanced, nutritious diet and avoid or minimize smoking .
Symptoms:
Note: Symptoms are usually absent until the disease is in an advanced stage. Symptoms occur because of heart failure .
Signs and Tests:
Examination and tests are directed at diagnosing and evaluating heart failure . Alcoholic cardiomyopathy is usually diagnosed when it is discovered as a cause of the heart failure.
Physical examination may reveal irregular or rapid heartbeat . There may be distended neck veins, enlarged liver , peripheral edema , and signs of pleural effusion (fluid around the lungs). Listening to the chest with a stethoscope ( auscultation ) may reveal lung crackles or abnormal heart sounds . Blood pressure may be low or may drop upon rising (orthostatic hypotension ).
Heart failure may show on these tests: This disease may also alter the results of a CPK test.
Treatment:
The goal of treatment is management of heart failure . Hospitalization may be required until acute symptoms subside. Cessation of alcohol consumption may slow or halt the disease progression. Treatment for heart failure may include digitalis or other medications to improve heart function, diuretics (such as furosemide) to remove excessive fluid from the body, or other medications. Low salt diet may be recommended in some cases. Fluid may be restricted. A heart transplant may be considered.
Support Groups:
The stress of illness can often be helped by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. See alcoholism - support group and heart disease - support group .
Prognosis:
The probable outcome is variable. Some affected individuals remain stable for long periods, some deteriorate gradually, and some deteriorate rapidly.
Complications:
Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call your health care provider if symptoms of heart failure or cardiomyopathy develop.
Call your health care provider if alcoholic cardiomyopathy has been diagnosed and symptoms do not improve with treatment.
Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if severe chest pain , palpitations , or fainting occur in a person with alcoholic cardiomyopaathy.
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